The Luccheses have always had a friend in high places. As mentioned, they partner the Genovese in some scams and before that they were practically married (Literally) to the Gambino's.
Lefty Ruggeiro even supposedly once said to Joe Pistone that "Chicago answers to New York"
I don't remember that quote but it's been a while since I read Pistone's book. I do remember Lefty saying that "Milwaukee answers to Chicago" when he was speaking of Frank Balisteri (sp).
Back in the day Chicago claimed hegemony over every activity or family west of Chicago and even some of the other midwestern groups.
"When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives." Winter is Coming Now this is the Law of the Jungle—as old and as true as the sky; And the wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the wolf that shall break it must die. As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk, the Law runneth forward and back; For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.
